By Sahbirin Tarif
BOLKIAH GARRISON, Wed 20 June 2012 – The Ministry of Defence this morning received a visit from Chief of Defence Forces, Royal Thai Armed Forces, His Excellency General Thanasak Patimapragorn at Bolkiah Garrison.
Upon arrival, His Excellency was accorded with a Guard of Honour mounted by personnel from the Third Battalion Royal Brunei Land Force. After reviewing the Guard of Honour, His Excellency proceeded paid courtesy call to Deputy Minister of Defence, Dato Paduka Haji Mustappa bin Haji Sirat.
Accompanying His Excellency were His Excellency Apichart Phetcharatana, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Kingdom of Thailand to Brunei Darussalam, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Air Chief Marshal Boonyarit Kerdsuk, Chief of Staff, General Chayuth Suwanamas and senior officers of Royal Thai Armed Forces. Also present during the courtesy call were the Commander of Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF), Permanent Secretary, Directors and senior officers of Ministry of Defence.
Later, His Excellency also pay courtesy call to the Commander of RBAF, Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin. Also present were RBAF Deputy Commander, Services Commanders, Directors and RBAF senior officers.
The visit significantly aims in continuing the long established bilateral relations and explore areas of military cooperation between both countries.
His Excellency and spouse, Mrs Penlaksana Patimapragorn as well as delegates were in Brunei Darussalam for three day introductory visit. During the visit, His Excellency and delegates visit the RBAF Third Battalion at Lumut Camp and Royal Brunei Navy Headquarters in Muara.